[Congressional Record Volume 156, Number 56 (Tuesday, April 20, 2010)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E585]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




      HONORING JOHN M. WILLIAMS, JR., ON HIS DISTINGUISHED CAREER

                                 ______
                                 

                             HON. ED PASTOR

                               of arizona

                    in the house of representatives

                        Tuesday, April 20, 2010

  Mr. PASTOR of Arizona. Madam Speaker, I rise before you today to 
praise and reflect upon the career of an outstanding community leader 
and a dear friend, John M. Williams, Jr. I would also like to 
congratulate John on his upcoming retirement.
  John is the president of the Salt River Project (SRP), the nation's 
third-largest public power utility and the largest supplier of water to 
the greater Phoenix metropolitan area. John serves as president of both 
the Salt River Valley Water Users' Association, the water distribution 
side of the company, and the Salt River Project Agricultural 
Improvement and Power District, the electricity-generating side of the 
company. He began serving on the SRP council in 1964 and has served 28 
years with SRP, including 12 years as vice president. He was elected 
SRP's 16th president in 2007.
  During his tenure as president, John signed the largest-ever Indian 
water rights settlement; helped SRP expand its sustainable-energy 
portfolio to approximately seven percent of the total energy generated, 
including partnering on the state's first commercial wind farm; and 
presided over a far-reaching settlement that will help ensure the 
future sustainability of Arizona's Verde River.
  John is a member of the Groundwater Users' Advisory Council, the 
American Public Power Association, the National Water Resources 
Association, the Colorado River Water Users' Association and the 
Cowman's Club. In addition, President George W. Bush appointed him to 
the National Infrastructure Advisory Council in 2008.
  An Arizona native, John is active in numerous community-based 
efforts, including serving on the board of the Farmers Gin and as a 
committee member of the Maricopa County Farm Services Administration. 
He has been involved in many other community activities in the Laveen 
area. John, who owns John M. Williams Farms in Laveen, lives in the 
West Valley with his wife, Dawnetta.
  I have been fortunate to have John as a friend for many years. I 
first became familiar with John's trademark black cowboy hat when he 
came to visit my office in Washington, DC. Since that time, I have seen 
him wear that same black cowboy hat twice a year at Corona Ranch, where 
we have enjoyed the music and good company together.
  Madam speaker, I am honored to recognize the leadership of John 
Williams and the friendship he has given me and my family.

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